Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
174 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Suggest Treatment For Back Pain In An Elderly Person

my mother is 93. she has complaigned of back pain for some years, lost height, poor posture, back slump, now she says the bones in her upper arms and back ach. her doctor tells her it is just part of getting old. I do not accept that answer. what is the possible problem and that type of doctor should she see? thanks
posted on Tue, 19 Jan 2016
Twitter Tue, 23 Feb 2016 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 24 Feb 2016 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
Pathologist and Microbiologist,  's  Response
Hi dear..your mother just like most other women, develop osteoporosis after menopause.
Your mother is way many years from menopause....the osteoporotic changes and depleted levels of hormones cause the bones to lose calcium and become brittle .
So its partly the age and partly because she is a women post menopause.
Even if you would consult an orthopaedician or a geriatric specialist , for the back ache or because she has bent over and lost height and even if he would prescribe medications or hormonal treatment, she may not tolerate them well.The side effects of these medications would snatch the charm off her living.
Take care to be gentle with her, and do accompany her for short walks.
Take care she doesnt sustain a fall , since fractures on osteoporosed bones do not heal easily.
I understand you love your mother dearly, but i would advise my patients not to be too aggressive with medicating or getting their aged parents back in shape.
I hope this answers your query dear.
You can get back to me if theres any other question on your mind.
Take care.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Suggest Treatment For Back Pain In An Elderly Person

Hi dear..your mother just like most other women, develop osteoporosis after menopause. Your mother is way many years from menopause....the osteoporotic changes and depleted levels of hormones cause the bones to lose calcium and become brittle . So its partly the age and partly because she is a women post menopause. Even if you would consult an orthopaedician or a geriatric specialist , for the back ache or because she has bent over and lost height and even if he would prescribe medications or hormonal treatment, she may not tolerate them well.The side effects of these medications would snatch the charm off her living. Take care to be gentle with her, and do accompany her for short walks. Take care she doesnt sustain a fall , since fractures on osteoporosed bones do not heal easily. I understand you love your mother dearly, but i would advise my patients not to be too aggressive with medicating or getting their aged parents back in shape. I hope this answers your query dear. You can get back to me if theres any other question on your mind. Take care.